"The Gods and Goddesses of Olympus" provides two-page spreads on the fourteen major deities of Greek mythology. The large print text provides three or four paragraphs of description of how each was born, their responsibilities, and some of the myths associated with them. Children will enjoy Aliki's colorful full and half-page illustrations for each god(desses) and can match the details from the text with elements of the pictures. This is an excellent intermediary book on classical mythology, which provides more than the bare boned descriptions of an introductory effort, but without getting into detail.

I was expecting that this book would simply go through the pantheon of major gods and goddesses of Greek mythology, but the first-third is devoted to telling the story of how the Olympians came to rule. Aliki begins with the creation of Gaea, the Earth, from the dark space of Chaos, and Uranus, the sky. Gaea then gave birth to the first gods, the Titans, as well as the Cyclopes and Hectaoncheires. Cronus, the youngest of the Titans overthrows Uranus and becomes Lord of the Universe, but afraid that one of his children might overthrow him in turn, he swallows each of his children as he is born. But his wife Rhea tricks Cronus into swallowing a stone instead of their youngest child, Zeus. Eventually Zeus rescues his siblings, overthrows Cronus and the Olympians take their thrones.

Teachers and parents should anticipate that young readers are going to have some questions about the rather strange marital relationships of the Greek gods. After all, Gaea gives birth to Uranus and then bears him children. Both Cronus and Zeus marry their sisters, who also bear children. The explanation that there are different rules for the gods might not sit too well with them. But then just remember, Socrates had some questions about the morality of these gods as well (he wondered why if when humans did what the gods did and it was considered wrong, then why was it considered right when the gods did it).

This book is very bright & has very pretty pictures to hold a child's attention. I bought it for my 8 yr old & I think it is a very nice book.

My 6-yr old neice absolutely loves this book. We had checked it out of the library and now I am purchasing it for her. This serves as a very good introduction to Greek mythology for young kids. It is clearly written and provides interesting vocabulary (that sometimes needs explanation). Our absolute favorite thing about the book is the illustration. The images are beautiful, fanciful, and inspire a person to dream! My neice has a hard time visually what words mean; she likes how there's a large portrait of the god or goddess, then scattered around him or her are little vignettes in pictures illustrating some major events in their lives. She can "read" this book herself and recall the stories. The images truly stick in one's mind.

I've looked at a dozen kids mythology books. Start them out with this one. If they are a bit older and dig mythology, get this for them anyhow. It will help refresh their memory.

Not coming from a Roman Catholic tradition, I've been intrigued by the debate surrounding the celebacy of the priesthood and the male exclusivity of the clergy. After all, other denominations have moved ahead, not without struggle to be sure, but moved nonetheless, to model what it means for all of God's people to have a place at table, and to officiate in the offerings that the table provides.

Richard Schoenherr's "Goodbye Father" provides powerful insights to those of us laypeople who struggle with one's appropriate role in the church, and who are looking for a deeper analysis of this religious tradition.

In his discussion of why dropping celebacy will happen prior to changing the patriarchy of the ministry, Schoenherr defines how the embeddedness of patriarchy, the decline of that partriarchy in other denominations, and the depth of the debate about marital-status exclusivity contributes to his thesis. That discussion provides clues into the struggle the church faces, but also gives hope that the stance on celebacy can change.

That today's issues are now indicative of Schoenherr's predictions demonstrate the wisdom with which the author presents a significant contribution to the role of men and women in the church. This book deserves a read by anyone concerned about those roles, regardless of the denominational background of the reader.

Goodbye Father attends to the heart of the crisis facing the U.S. Catholic Church-the quality of pastoral care for the people. Schoenherr understands that the religious care of the people revolves around an ordained priesthood and the Mass so the quantity and quality of priests truly matter.

For Schoenherr, life is a paschal mystery in that people are involved at every moment in linking their lives to the death and resurrection of Christ. The liturgy makes that connection more powerfully present in people's lives. The limitation of the Catholic priesthood to celibate males denies people who are thirsty for spiritual life an adequate level of religious care. The ordination of married people and women promises a greater number and deeper quality of priests.

Goodbye Father is informative of my thinking and formative of my aspirations. It humbly invites us to think more deeply and act more courageously in regard to what may well be the will of God.

Goodbye Father attends to the heart of the crisis facing the U.S. Catholic Church-the quality of pastoral care for the people. Schoenherr understands that the religious care of the people revolves around an ordained priesthood and the Mass, so the quantity and quality of priests truly matter. For Schoenherr, life is a paschal mystery in that people are involved at every moment in linking their lives to the life, death, and ressurection of Christ. The liturgy makes that connection more powerfully present in people's lives. The limitation of the Catholic priesthood to celibate males denies people who are thirsty for spiritual life an adequate level of religious care. The ordination of married people and women promises a greater number and deeper quality of priests. Goodbye Father is informative of my thinking and formative of my aspirations. It humbly invites us to think more deeply and act more courageously in regard to what may well be the will of God.

Dr. Donoghue's book is an extraordinary gift for anyone in need of a resource for teaching or studying scripture. It is written in an accessible style but is very thoughtful in its examination and reflection on Jesus's life and teachings.

As a parish priest I especially appreciate the down to earth applications of Dr. Donoghue's references to scripture, which make the familiar stories come alive with new meaning and depth.
The study guide which is available for facilitating discussion of the book, seems a perfect outline for any course in christian formation or Lenten series.

Dr. Donoghue is very honest in his sharing of his own experiences as a person of faith in a struggle to apply the words and actions of Jesus to our daily lives. It is even more enlightening to think that these words and actions can actually help us to be healthier and happier.

I can without hesitation recommend this book to anyone who would like to live a life that can be changed and enriched by the wisdom and love contained in the gospels and made so real by the profound reflections of Dr. Donoghue.

In this book Jesus is brought beautifully to life, not only in the pure message of his words, but also in the way he felt and responded, the way he paid attention to and reached out to those he encountered. Here is a man who lived fully through his hurt and delight, his anger and warmth. The richness of this portrait is interwoven with scenes from the lives of those Paul Dononghue has encountered who have struggled to find an inner peace that comes from living authentically and in faith. What becomes wonderfully evident is the immediate relevance of Jesus as model for living a rich spiritual life that is also realistic and down to earth. Captivating and informative, I believe this book will aid and inspire anyone seeking such a life.

In "The Jesus Advantage", priest and psychologist Paul Donoghue suggests a new model for those seeking help and support to live into their full humanity - Jesus. Too often, it seems that Jesus is depicted either as judgmental, angry and punitive: or meek and mild beyond all reason. The Jesus as illustated Dr. Donoghue's Scriptural examples is a full, rich and complex human being, a person who gets angry, is sad, feels betrayed and hurt, and expresses his feelings fully. This Jesus is one that resonates with the words "fully human and fully divine."

This book is eminently readable, gentle and sane. Its one fault was that parts of it struck me as very mildly and unconsciously sexist, in that he tends to speak of women in terms of their relationships and appearance, but men in terms of their jobs. This could, however, be simply a function of the population he sees. Other than that very minor point, it is a wonderfully refreshing spiritual resource, one that should be widely read and enjoyed.

This book was about the famous story of the king who wanted everything he owned to be gold. He was a very greedy king and he did not appreciate what he already had. So one day he got his wish. However the king soon learned that being able to turn things into gold with one touch was not all good. The king ended up turning his young daughter into to gold, and was miserable. He didn't want the golden touch anymore. I like this book because it is humorous way for the child to learn not to take for granted what they already have. The illustrations were also great. The king learns that gold is not the only thing that is valuable. I would use this book to introduce the importance of family and friends and how some people believe that money is the only thing that can bring happiness.

This book is golden. The pages just shine with color. The age-old story is here, but with stunning illustrations.

I've sent this to my much younger sisters and they loved it! It's on the top shelf of their bookshelf in a special place. You won't toss this one on the floor. I bought another copy for myself. I can't wait to read it to my own children.

When you browse subjects, go under children's books and you can search for authors and illustrators. Anything illustrated by K.Y. Craft is a keeper. i.e. Twelve Dancing Princesses, Cupid and Psyche, and Pegasus.

"King Midas and the Golden Touch," retold by Charlotte Craft with illustrations by K.Y. Craft, is an outstanding version of a classic tale. Although you may have read or seen versions of this story before, this book is truly special.

The story of King Midas, who gains the power to turn anything he touches to gold, is a tale with an important lesson. The story teaches us to not be greedy, and to treasure the people and things that we take for granted. These are important ideas for both children and adults. Charlotte Craft presents this story in straightforward, yet elegant language. A typical line: "The roses glistened with the morning dew, and their scent gently perfumed the air."

But it is Kinuko Y. Craft's breathtaking artwork that really brings magic to this collaboration. Each illustration looks like a classic painting by an old master--lovingly detailed and alive with rich colors. K.Y. Craft's realistic portrayals of people, animals, and plants are an effective complement to the fantasy elements of the story. This book is both a timeless tale and a stunning work of art.

I thought this book was wonderfully uplifting. Ms. Connell gave a lot of information on the background of each vision. This book will certainly bring you closing in your search for deeper union with our Blessed Mother.

You will no doubt fall in love deeper with Our lady and pass this treasure amongst others - or that is you should!

What an extraordinary book! After reading, I'ts DEEPENED my Faith in Mary. At the time I was in the middle of reading the book, I was involed in an automobile accident, this book along with my Rosaries were in my briefcase, she pulled me through the ordeal without any horrendous damage.

Her messages should be loud and clear for all who read with an open heart. She TRULY is here for us, and she shows this through the ones whom SHE chooses to appear. I feel, not only does God work in mysterious way, but Mary too.

The author has written a wonderful book about all the appearations of "Mother Mary" in a graceful style of daily meditations. I must highly recommend this book. However, what the author should consider is that Mother Mary is actually Mother God (cf Sylvia Browne's books on Journey of the Soul--also totally excellent), and further she states that "Christians do not believe in reincarnation" which is not exactly correct. Gnostic Christians do believe in reincarnation. Edgar Cayce, being a Southern Baptist and Sunday School teacher did not at first believe in reincarnation, but then after numerous meditations to help the hopelessly ill, he could not ignore the fact that our past lives do affect our health and well being. (Edgar Cayce's books are also excellent on theology and heaven). Reincarnation was edited out of the bible by Constatine/Augustine c. 350 BCE because they felt the illiterate masses could not properly understand such a complex doctrine. From a historical point, early Christians did believe in reincarnation and when the 4 gospels of the New Testament were originally written, the disciples and Jesus himself made numerous clear references to reincarnation. (Syliva Brown has a list of these biblical passages in her Journey of the Soul Series, or you can write me direct for them.)

other than these minor corrections, the book is wholly excellent in that it draws one much closer to Mother God in an extremely religiously correct manner explaining the full beauty, grace, love and mercy of God, and that is the whole point of our existence on earth. there is no doubt that Ms. Connell's books have sold well. Mother God is behind her and Mother God loves and protects fiercly those that come to her.

Although Mother God does not care what she is called, it is still best to understand that Mother Mary is Mother God is Mother Earth is Gaia, Diana, Isis, etc. and all the hundreds of names that people have called this most gracious, full of love apparation throughout the long milleniums of our existence.

She is there, She loves us and She cares.

Read the book, see Her grace and glory

Queen of Angels, Mary's Answers to Universal Questions is a delightful, simple question and answer way to develop useful spiritual savy.The Daily Applications of Mary's answers really work. I particularly like the Meditation on page 177, in reference to the question: "Spiritual Mother, how shall I plan for the future?" - - After Mary's loving response is the following Meditation: "Little children know they can control little. Wise people know they can control nothing." I find special enlightenment each time I read some part of that book.

I was given this book by my mother after something extremely traumatic and devastating happened to me. There is a wealth of comfort and beauty in this golden book. Love permeates the pages, healing and gentle. I would give it as a gift to anyone who needs hope, or just as a message of love.

I used to believe that Romans was the most difficult book of the Bible to read. That is because I did not understand what it meant to "live by grace." It took almost a year to finish the commentary (read in parallel with a Bible study group), but I now have a profoundly different concept of God's grace and how we as Christians experience it. I would urge every Christian to study Romans intensely, and I would suggest this commentary to help you. The commentary itself is exhaustive, making reference to the Greek for fine or disputative points.

Two important points:
Newell uses his own translation, using King James English. You might want to have your own Bible to compare the text with if you get lost in the "ye"s, "thee"s and "thou"s. (Also, Newell contends that the KJV mistranslates some points; his explanation from the Greek is satisfactory to me, but you might want to compare with a KJV and an NIV/NASB.)

Also, Newell comes from a dispensational perspective. If I had known this at the beginning of his book, I would have understood some of his comments better.

There can be few books on Romans comparable to this. Each time I read it, I get blessed. Newell provides tremendous insight into the book of Romans. He has an excellent understanding of what happened at the cross, the substitutionary work and the new resurrection life.

For a foundational knowledge of the new life, of righteouness, Romans must be understood thoroughly. Don't miss this book!!

The other reviewers are correct. If you are conservative and dispensational then you need to have this book. A few extra observations for those that are interested.
Newell employs a main body text that gives a nice flowing devotional / semi-technical treatment of each verse. He then drops down into footnotes to give technical details when required. I find this a very good way to work.
He works primarily from the KJV text but gives a very even handed handling of some of the minor translation errors particularly pertaining to the tenses that are not readily rendered in English.
The gem is his handling of the need for believers to understand that they are free from the law. Of course this is exactly what Romans teaches but Newell will drill it into your mind in a way you'll remember into eternity.

This book is mainly a collection of various apparitions of Mary. It covers widely known apparitions such as Lourdes, Fatima, and Guadaloupe as well as less familiar ones. This book, I would say, is an introduction for those who want to study Marian apparitions in depth. It briefly summarizes the accounts, and provides SOME testimony from the visonaries themselves. The best part of the book, I think, is the beautiful artwork of Mary through the ages that are shown on every other page.

This beautiful book is a nice, but not exhaustive, compilation of the various miracles of the Virgin Mary. I liked how Durham grouped the miracles by theme, and I find it interesting that he himself is not Catholic. The quality of the illustrations is very good, and the depictions of Mary are from all around the world, from old-master paintings (Caravaggio, El Greco) to New World sculptures and paintings (including work from Peru, Mexico, Canada). I do wish that the book had illustrations of the things it spoke of, for example, at the point where The Black Madonna of Czestochowa, Poland was discussed, I would have liked to have had that image right there. However, I really did enjoy this book as it had such a great collection of Marian images.

The numerous miracles that Mama Mary has done further strengthen my Catholic faith. She made us feel that the Lord is always there. The author was able to convey to us the love and gift of the Lord. He made use of art pieces which made the book more beautiful . He made use not only of master artist but as well as contemporary ones.

This is a small book, almost a pamphlet, so it works very nicely for readings during a quiet retreat. Nouwen reminds us of the importance of solitude for service. The book is composed of a few sermons he gave at Yale and is one of those books where you'll find yourself wanting to excerpt quotes to stick on the wall by your computer. I'll give you one as an example: "It is in this solitude that we discover that being is more important than having, and that we are worth more than the result of our efforts." The book is an affirmation.

This was a very informative and a very simple read. In a nutshell, it defines how important solitude is in terms of how we can't get caught up impressing life judges. Also, "It teaches us", not to become restless of our actions for our only way of aquiring self pride.

Henri also shows people how to be glad by applying the example of jesus to your life. Also, to deal with the challenges which God applies for you, only to make youself stronger.

I find it amazing that he could put all this very enlighting material into this very short read. I recommend it to anyone who wants to know more about life. To various people who want to find the ticket to extreme happiness, this book is for you!

This book spoke deeply to me. As a parent with young children, I have often felt guilty for needing "my space." Nouwen removes my feelings of guilt and selfishness by explaining this need for time alone as being a spiritual need where growth and connection with God are possible. Contains few pages, but a big message.

As in his many other works, the late Father Hardon did not hesitate to present Catholic teaching in its entirety. The pressures of cultural correctness did not keep him from presenting the whole truth of Catholic teaching. Unlike other writers, he did not engage in artful ambiguity about some of the teachings of the Church.

In the Pocket Catholic Dictionary, he manages to provide insights in a small abridged dictionary that others can't or won't communicate in much larger works. One example from my own research will illustrate the value of Fr. Hardon's pocket dictionary as a jumping off point for further research.

In researching the canon law issue of whether contraceptive intercourse was sufficient to consummate a marriage, I found several specialized reference sources and commentaries full of ambiguity and even one that was ideologically slanted in its presentation. For Catholics, this particular issue of canon law is important because a marriage becomes indissoluble only after consummation. One of the few sources that addressed the issue forthrightly was Fr. Hardon's Pocket Dictionary and related works, while other lengthy reference works specializing in canon law were of no help. Without mincing words, Fr. Hardon states in his definition of "Consummated Marriage" that "contraceptive intercourse does not consummate Christian marriage."

Thus, on an issue of great importance to Catholics, this small pocket dictionary opened up an avenue for further research where larger and more specialized works failed to enlighten. I am sure there are other issues out there for which Fr. Hardon's Pocket Catholic Dictionary would turn out to be a good and reliable starting point.

I've used this book so much, I've worn the covers off. It has more detailed information than one might expect from a pocket dictionary. I recommend this book to anyone, but especially to those who are just learning about Catholicism.

This book is an incredible tool. As a Catholic, with thousands of questions, this book has thousands of answers! It is truly the best Catholic resource I have encountered!